BULLITT: THE GODFATHER OF ALL CAR CHASES

Who can forget one of the most influential car chase scenes of this century?  The 1968 Academy Award winner, Bullitt, featuring Steve McQueen, left viewers in awe as this epic car chase charged through the streets of San Francisco. With live footage featuring the 1968 Charger and Mustang driving at speeds of 110mph, it was no surprise it kept audience members on the edge of their seats.

This was one of the first films of its kind to be shot in real time, throughout the city versus in the back lots of the Warner Bros studio. Not only that but it was also the first picture shot with live sound, allowing viewers to really be drawn into the experience.  All of these factors, plus intuition from McQueen and director, Peter Yates, really allowed this epic car chase to unfold and bean iconic masterpiece of it’s time.

Surprisingly, the Ford Mustang was purchased because it was considered, at the time, a good deal. After it’s undercarriage was lightly modified, the GT was ready to face the Dodge Charger head to head in the ten minute sequence, that started from Fisherman’s Wharf,        and ended at the Guadalupe Canyon Parkway (outside the city). (Susan Encinas)

Not only did this film win awards for Best Sound, Best Film Editing, and Best Motion Picture Screenplay, it’s notable car chase left a lasting impression on the Ford Mustang.   In 2001, and then again in 2008, Ford produced a Mustang Bullitt model for the various anniversaries of the film.  In 2007 the Library of Congress chose it for preservation in the United States National Film Registry. This year, 2011, the Steve McQueen Signature Mustang was released as a limited edition painted in the same green as the car in the movie.

Thanks to this trail blazing movie, the Bullitt car chase scene has made Mustang’s one of the most popular muscle cars of this generation.  With that said, Wicked Quick is in the works of bringing this nostalgic feeling and love for the Mustang to all of you.  Look out for more of our Licensed Ford and Mustang tees coming soon!